Is it easier to survive in extreme cold or extreme heat?

Question

Say the desert vs the arctic- in the desert I'm talking about just sand, lizards, maybe a few low-lying scrub bushes, indicating potential small reserves of water far beneath the sand. In the arctic environment I mean just snow, maybe fish under a layer of ice.

In both instances we will say you are equipped with the appropriate clothes and have the necessary tools for creating fire, a knife, a shovel, basic survival gear, but no food or water.

You only have to survive a few days, not long-term.

Which is the "easier" environment to shelter yourself from the elements, get enough water, food and just generally survive in for the short-term?

Answer 1

You can probably survive the arctic more. Our bodies are composed of water, and being in the dessert will dehydrate you incredibly fast. In the arctic You can just eat the fish which will contain necessary protein etc, and also be easier to catch than a scorpion buried in a sand dune.

Answer 2

Personally I hate being cold. But if placed in a survival situation for say, 3-4 days, I'd take the cold. You can dehydrate in half a day in extreme heat. Plus you'd be threatened by heat stroke. Cold would be uncomfortable but much more survivable especially under your proposed scenario of having clothes and fire making ability.